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EXECUTIVE BOARD COVERAGE ​

Board urges AVMF to restore fund raising to support research

Posted May 15, 2005

The Executive Board approved a recommendation to direct its members who serve on the board of directors of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation to urge the AVMF to reestablish fund-raising efforts that would develop an endowment, or other self-sustaining fund, to support veterinary research and scholarship. The funds would be distributed through an ongoing peer-reviewed, competitive grants program. The Council on Research submitted the recommendation.

Because the AVMF has recently focused its fund-raising efforts in support of disaster preparedness and response, it has not proactively sought funds in support of any other programmatic area. The council was concerned over the foundation's change in focus and the termination of AVMA and AVMF efforts to support and promote veterinary research. The council believes the two entities should fund research to improve the safety and health of future generations of animals and humans.

In the past, the AVMF has funded research for companion animals and other veterinary research projects. At least two policies within the AVMA Digest of Official Actions specifically identify the foundation as a potential source of research funding.